On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, the exhibition “Verba Volant, Scripta Manent” displays the most valuable, interesting, and significant 14th-21st-century books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, sheet music, and shellac records. Many objects on display are included in the UNESCO Lithuanian National Memory of the World Registry.

Collected and preserved throughout a century, a collection of documentary heritage in this particular arrangement is presented to the public for the very first time. The Latin proverb: Spoken words fly away, whereas written words remain, chosen for the title of the exhibition captures the significance of the preserved documentary heritage.

The exhibition showcasing the objects of various genres and forms offers a multifaceted narrative of Lithuanian cultural history. The visitor will get an opportunity to see what oldest books are housed in the National Library of Lithuania, what are the incunabula and paleotypes, what role Vilnius, a multicultural and multiethnic capital, played in Lithuanian culture, and how the Lithuanian language, national politics or country’s everyday life had developed. The visitor will also get a sight of exclusive musical works, unique shellac records and pianola music rolls, old photography, as well as bestsellers and curiositas—a chained-library book and miniature books.

On October 9 at 5:30 p.m.  we invite you to travel in time and learn many interesting and extraordinary stories. Only on the opening night, you will get a chance to see the genealogical tree of the famous Wallenrodt family painted on parchment in the late 18th century and standing out for its size. During the event, ensemble “Vilniaus klarnetai” will perform.

The exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania.

Brief information about the exhibition